Five FrightFest Facts From Matthew Heaven director of ACCOUNTABLE

1. Tell us about your film?
Matthew Heaven: It’s my debut feature first and foremost, and as with any self-financed debut I had to wear as many hats as possible to keep costs low. ACCOUNTABLE was written, directed, edited, cast, and produced by myself on a budget of £10,000. The film revolves around Warren Matthews, a frustrated, volatile, and directionless young man that struggles to function the way he feels he should. His past and present circumstances weigh too heavy to bear causing Warren to enlist the help of a local psychiatrist. The two work together to help Warren move closer to his planned outcome. I know we’re at FrightFest and that doesn’t exactly sound like a typical horror concept – which it isn’t! But the film has very a dark and unsettling theme running throughout that lends itself more to a thriller intertwined with horror elements… probably the best way I can describe it.

2. How did you get into making horror movies?
Matthew Heaven: As mentioned I wouldn’t class ACCOUNTABLE as a horror film, more revenge thriller. In additional I’d say that both short films I’ve made (Late Mourning, and Professional Paranoia), and my debut feature, are all dark films in nature and all are based around disturbing circumstances. The action, horror, and thriller genres have always appealed to me far more than any other. If you want my short answer around why I love that sort of filmic theme & experience, I guess I would have to blame John Carpenter.

3. What film would you love to see screened at FrightFest and why?
Matthew Heaven: I’d love to see a fully remastered version of The Thing (1982) on the biggest screen possible… and I’d want to watch it alone in a deserted cinema for full effect! Regarding this years’ festival, being an Adam Wingard fan I’m very much looking forward to Death Note. You’re Next and The Guest were both terrific so I’m keen to see his latest. From years gone by I’d say experiencing Train to Busan on the big screen in a packed cinema would have been awesome.

4. If you could create your own award to give at the FrightFest, what would it be and why?
Matthew Heaven: Concept Award: Offered for the most original and striking horror concept. Tons of horror films tread on already well-worn ground without trying to creatively avoid the typical clichés audiences are used to. Providing an award based on originality and a more ballsy approach to new unsettling ideas would be my choice. Why not promote progression of the genre!

5. If your life was made into a horror film, what would it be called and who would play the starring role?
Matthew Heaven: Getaway: Something revolving around a calm and collected officer worker by day that doubles up as a precision getaway driver by night. My day job is at times office based, and I enjoy driving fast cars… it writes itself 😉

The World Premiere of ACCOUNTABLE takes place at FrightFest 2017 FRIDAY 25TH AUGUST. Get your tickets HERE and watch the trailer below:

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Alex Humphrey

Alex studied film at the University of Kent and went on to work for Universal Pictures in their Post Room gaining an inside look at the movie industry from the very bottom. Constantly writing reviews in everything from local magazines to Hip Hop sites Alex honed his critical skills even spending a brief period as a restaurant critic. Read more

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